Anger over rail services

Rail bosses have apologised to passengers using the Blackpool to Preston line over late services, expensive tickets and dirty trains.

A fifth of passengers travelling on Northern Rail’s Lancashire routes are unhappy with the service.

Rail union boss Mick Cash

The dissatisfaction rate soars to two thirds among travellers using the service everyday to commute to work.

Fewer than a third believe the company deals with delays properly with two per cent of journeys either significantly late or cancelled.

The survey of 1,414 rail travellers by Transport Focus (formerly Passenger Focus) also showed just over half reckoned their service offered good value for money.

Michael Roberts, director gneral of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said: “Too often many passengers are not getting the service they deserve, and for this we are sorry.

Passengers want trains to be reliable and run on time

“More than almost anything else passengers want trains to be reliable and run on time.

“The survey reflects the challenges we face to run trains punctually on an increasingly busy network.”

Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT union, said: “These figures show that passengers paying extortionate commuter fares are receiving some of the lousiest services.

“The private train companies are laughing all the way to the bank.”

Further delays are expected in the months and years to come as the route between the resort and Preston is electrified.